The Green Bay Packers were able to come away with a 30-20 win over the Oakland Raiders in NFL Week 15 action. What five takeaways can be seen from the game for the Packers moving forward?
1. Green Bay Can Win Even with Aaron Rodgers Struggling a Bit
Aaron Rodgers only threw for 204 yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Raiders. It was not a good game for him, but the Packers are proving that they can still win even with him struggling. Rodgers is still is going to be the player that powers the Packers into the playoffs, but they are proving that they are built around him well and can pick him up when he has a down game.
2. Eddie Lacy Still Has a Lot of Work to Do
Despite many fans and media members getting excited about Eddie Lacy's performance last week, he came through with yet another disappointing game. Oakland held him to just 23 yards on 11 carries in the game. Those numbers are not going to get the job done and it is obvious that he still has a lot of work to do moving forward to become the back that Green Bay needs him to be.
3. James Jones is the Packers' X-Factor Offensively
Perhaps the biggest key for the Packers was the play that they received from wide receiver James Jones throughout his game. He came up with a huge second half and the offense looked much more effective when he was in the game and making a difference. Jones proved once again that he is indeed the X-Factor for the Green Bay offense and will be moving forward this season.
4. Green Bay's Secondary Is Capable of Making Huge Plays
One of the big question marks for the Packers this season has been whether or not their defense could make plays to help carry their offense. That was proven even more this week against the Raiders with two huge interceptions to start the game. Green Bay's secondary has the talent to put points on the board, but also to win the field position game.
5. The Packers Are Still Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders
After the struggles that they had in the middle of the season, the Packers have now won three straight games. They are back to being legitimate Super Bowl contenders and officially clinched a spot in the playoffs this past week. Green Bay is one of the best teams in the NFC and they get back to clicking on all cylinders will be a tough opponent for both Arizona and Carolina.
What do you think of the Packers this season? Do you think they are Super Bowl contenders? Let us know in the comment box below!
